Tropheus Duboisi (Tropheus duboisi) Care Guide
A fascinating Tanganyikan cichlid that undergoes a dramatic color change from juvenile to adult. Juveniles are jet-black with bright white spots, while adults develop a dark body with a distinctive wi…
Overview
Tropheus duboisi is a species in the family Cichlidae. A fascinating Tanganyikan cichlid that undergoes a dramatic color change from juvenile to adult. Juveniles are jet-black with bright white spots, while adults develop a dark body with a distinctive wide yellow or blue band. Requires a colony of 12+ to diffuse aggression.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Tropheus
- Scientific name: Tropheus duboisi
- Other names: White Spotted Cichlid
- Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in scattered rocky habitats along the western and northern shorelines. Juveniles are blue-black with white spots, transforming on maturity into a black body crossed by a single yellow or white vertical band. Feeds by grazing the algal aufwuchs from rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 7.5-9
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 10-13 cm
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 12
- Difficulty: advanced
Diet
Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: aggressive
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Synodontis Petricola, Other Tropheus
- Avoid with: Peaceful Fish, Small Fish, Mbunas
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate